Xmas Big in Japan

TOKYO (majirox news) – Christmas lights line the streets of Tokyo while crowds head toward the stores to buy gifts from staff wearing Christmas hats and Santa Claus outfits. It’s hard to believe you’re in Japan.

They give gifts, eat roast chicken and a special Xmas cake, which is a glorified strawberry shortcake with icing, round sponge cakes, whipped cream and juicy strawberries, to celebrate, although Dec. 25 is not a national holiday. Some also go to special dinner shows, fancy restaurants or hotels.

Christmas is mainly commercial, since only about one percent are Christians, and it’s getting bigger each year. According to a survey by japan-guide.com, about 54 percent of Japanese say Christmas is special to them, especially women and teenagers. The Japanese have adopted many Western traditions, including Halloween and Valentine’s Day.

Christmas first came to the country with the first Europeans in the 16th century, and only became popular in recent decades.

The photos were taken by Dave Powell of ShootTokyo at Tokyo’s districts of Shinjuku, Roppongi and Mikimoto’s main pearl store in Ginza.